Speaking of mixed messages.... [previous post].
It appears to me that in our generation we are giving our children mixed messages. This takes place both at home and in the religious media.
On one hand we want them to keep halacha, marry Jewish, be learned, have good character and mentschlechkeit etc. etc.
On the other hand they are encouraged to earn a lot of money, go on luxurious vacations, live in mansions, drive expensive cars etc. etc.
Now, there is nothing wrong in principal with living a life of luxury and it doesn't have to be a contradiction to a religious lifestyle. It doesn't say anywhere in the Torah that it is forbidden to spend Pesach in Palm Springs or to drive a Lexus.
However it also doesn't say that there is such an IDEAL. Today it is presented as an ideal for which to strive. In addition, the reality is that pursuing the highest level of pleasures and comfort almost always end up conflicting with one's Avodas Hashem.
There is a concept in the Mesillas Yesharim of kedusha where all pleasures of this world are enjoyed for the sake of Hashem. That is GREAT. But how many people do you know like that?
